Africa: CAF President Salutes Algeria, Nigeria, Urges Them to Go As Far As Possible

CAF president Issa Hayatou says Algeria and Nigeria have the capabilities to overcome their Round of 16 FIFA World Cup opponents and go as far as they possibly could at the ongoing championship in Brazil.

In hailing their qualification to the knock-out round, Hayatou said CAF and the African continent were solidly behind Africa's two representatives and reminded them of the support of the entire continent.

"Following the historic qualification of the Algeria and Nigeria National teams for the 2nd round of the FIFA World Cup - Brazil 2014, I would like to convey to you, on behalf of CAF, its Executive Committee and the Entire African Football Family, our sincere congratulations as well as all our best wishes for the rest of the competition," Hayatou said in separate letters to the presidents of the Algerian and Nigerian football federations Mohamed Raouraoua and Al Hadji Aminu Maigari respectively.

"Kindly convey as well our congratulations to the players and officials of your teams as well as to the Algerian and Nigerian people for this superb performance," Hayatou said.

He expressed confidence that Algeria and Nigeria would gave historic encounters against Germany on 30 June in Porto Alegre and against France in Brasilia also on 30 June.

"We urge you to transmit to the Desert Foxes and Super Eagles all our encouragements and our wishes of success. Your teams will have the support of the entire African continent and we are aware and confident that your national teams are capable of winning against any opponent now," Hayatou said stressing that the two nations' qualifications to the knock out round made Africa proud adding that the continent wished them "altogether that their runs in the competition continues as far as possible".

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